HS-ETS1-2

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

  1. Chemistry

    A disinfectant made from sawdust knocks out deadly microbes

    It’s made by pressure-cooking sawdust and water, is cheap and easy to make — and could lead to greener cleaning products than chemicals used today.

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  2. Health & Medicine

    Sickle-cell gene therapies offer hope — and challenges

    Doctor Erica Esrick discusses existing treatments and an ongoing clinical trial for a gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease.

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  3. Archaeology

    The earliest known pants are surprisingly modern — and comfy

    This 3,000-year-old garment was not only stylish but also functional. By recreating it, scientists also unraveled its complex and multicultural origins.

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  4. Brain

    Teen inventors say: There’s got to be a better way

    Finalists in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search are revamping prostheses, earthquake safety systems and air travel.

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  5. Climate

    Satellites find big climate threats — ultra-emitters of methane

    Eyes in the sky show many of the worst methane emitters are in countries that produce a lot of oil and gas, such as Russia and the United States.

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  6. Animals

    These flying robots protect endangered wildlife

    Flying drones make conservation work much easier. Around the world, drones and artificial intelligence help scientists study or protect endangered animals.

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  7. Tech

    Space trash could kill satellites, space stations — and astronauts

    As private companies prepare to sprinkle space with tens of thousands of satellites, experts worry about the mushrooming threat of space junk.

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  8. Animals

    A new drug mix helps frogs regrow amputated legs

    The treatment helped frogs grow working limbs useful for swimming, standing and kicking. It’ll be a while before people can do that.

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  9. Chemistry

    Clothes dryers may be a major source of airborne microplastics

    Scientists thought washing machines were a leading contributor of microplastics. Now it appears dryers may be an even bigger problem.

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  10. Animals

    DNA in air can help ID unseen animals nearby

    Analyzing these genetic residues in air offers a new way to study animals. It could give scientists a chance to monitor rare or hard to find animals.

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  11. Animals

    Living mysteries: Why teeny-weeny tardigrades are tough as nails

    Tardigrades often live in cool, damp moss. Their cushy life has somehow prepared them to survive the lethal radiation of outer space.

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  12. Brain

    Nodding off may turn your creativity on

    In an experiment, people who fell into a shallow sleep were more likely than non-sleepers or deep sleepers to discover a sly math trick.

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